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USS Estocin (FFG 15)

USS ESTOCIN was the ninth OLIVER HAZARD PERRY-class guided missile frigate and the first ship in the Navy named after Captain John Michael Estocin, a naval aviator who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. Decommissioned on April 3, 2003, ESTOCIN was transfered to the Turkish Navy the same day. There, she was recommissioned as GÖKSU.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS ESTOCIN. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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Accidents aboard USS ESTOCIN:

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History of USS ESTOCIN:

USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15) was laid down on April 2, 1979, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and launched on November 3, 1979. The ship was sponsored by Mrs. Quay Marie Estocin, widow of Captain Michael John Estocin. Following construction and sea trials, ESTOCIN was commissioned at Bath on January 10, 1981, with Commander John H. Todd as her first commanding officer.

ESTOCIN departed Bath on January 12, 1981, and made her first port visit to New York City from January 16-18. After loading ammunition at Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey, she arrived at her assigned homeport of Mayport, Florida, on January 23 and joined Destroyer Squadron 8. On February 9, while operating off Florida, the frigate assisted in the interception of a vessel carrying illegal narcotics. Two days later, she arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for refresher training and an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE). Subsequent visits included San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 4-7, Roosevelt Roads from March 8-10, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands from March 11-14. ESTOCIN returned to Mayport on March 15.

During April and May 1981, ESTOCIN conducted Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT), missile exercises and electronic warfare evaluations. Her first operational testing period included the Shipboard Electromagnetic Compatibility Improvement Program and Harpoon missile certification. From June 23-27, she underwent electromagnetic pulse testing at the EMPRESS facility near Point Patience, Maryland. The frigate visited Halifax, Nova Scotia, from July 18-21, where Canadian naval representatives inspected the ship as part of their evaluation of possible future frigate designs.

On July 23, 1981, ESTOCIN returned to Bath Iron Works for a three-month post-shakedown availability. The work included installation of the AN/SQS-56 sonar and AN/SLQ-32(V)2 electronic support measures equipment. Following sea trials on October 15, the availability ended on October 21. ESTOCIN subsequently visited New York City, Norfolk and Port Everglades before conducting further weapons accuracy and antisubmarine warfare trials at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) range near Andros Island, Bahamas. She returned to Mayport on November 20.

ESTOCIN began 1982 with refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, departing Mayport on January 8 and returning on February 7. Additional antisubmarine warfare exercises followed at the AUTEC range later that month. After an intermediate maintenance availability in March, she completed sea trials and participated in ReadiEx 2-82 during April and early May. On June 2, the frigate conducted a dependents' cruise in company with USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), with several members of Captain Estocin's family aboard.

On June 8, 1982, ESTOCIN departed Mayport on her first overseas deployment, bound for the Mediterranean with a detachment from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 36 (HSL-36) embarked. She entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations on June 19 and arrived at Naples, Italy, on June 21. From June 22-28, she participated in NATO exercise Daily Double 1-82 before returning to Naples for a port visit lasting until July 8.

Departing Naples on July 9, 1982, ESTOCIN proceeded to the eastern Mediterranean and assumed a position off Beirut, Lebanon, where fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian organizations had intensified. Apart from a visit to Athens, Greece, from July 17-19, the frigate operated off Lebanon throughout the remainder of July. At the end of the month, ESTOCIN joined USS BIDDLE (CG 34) for a voyage into the Black Sea. The two ships passed through the Turkish Straits on August 1 and visited Eregli, Turkey, from August 2-3. After further operations in the Black Sea, they called at Istanbul from August 5-9 before returning to the eastern Mediterranean.

ESTOCIN continued operations off Beirut until August 22, when she arrived at Naples for maintenance and preparations for further NATO commitments. During September 1982, she served with the Naval On-Call Force Mediterranean, conducting multinational exercises with Greek, Turkish, British and Italian warships. On September 7, the ship's SH-2A Seasprite helicopter suffered a tail rotor failure and ditched approximately two miles from the frigate in rough seas. ESTOCIN recovered all three helicopter crew members. Later that month, the ship visited Livorno, Genoa and Palermo, Italy, and participated in exercise Display Determination 82 from September 21-24.

During October 1982, ESTOCIN continued Sixth Fleet and NATO exercises, including operations in the air defense identification area off Libya. After further operations in the eastern Mediterranean, the frigate underwent a tender availability alongside USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38) at Gaeta, Italy, from November 14-28. She visited Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, from December 1-3 and joined the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) Battle Group on December 6 for the return voyage across the Atlantic. Following a brief stop at Rota, Spain, ESTOCIN continued toward the United States in company with USS JONAS INGRAM (DD 938), arriving at Mayport on December 22.

During the early months of 1983, ESTOCIN operated in the western Atlantic, conducting exercises and training missions. From April 25-29, she supported operations involving USS SARATOGA (CV 60) and USS BATFISH (SSN 681). On May 5, the frigate departed Mayport for two months of special operations in the eastern Pacific. She transited the Panama Canal on May 9 and arrived at Naval Station Rodman, Panama, where she conducted turnover activities with USS BLAKELY (FF 1072). On May 13, ESTOCIN relieved USS JULIUS A. FURER (FFG 6) on station and subsequently operated in coordination with USS GALLERY (FFG 26).

Following a maintenance and logistics period at Rodman from May 27-June 5, 1983, ESTOCIN resumed operations in the eastern Pacific. She completed another turnover with GALLERY on June 22 and crossed the Equator on June 24 before returning to Rodman two days later. The frigate transited the Panama Canal eastbound on June 30, visited Puerto Castillo, Honduras, on July 2, and stopped at Naval Weapons Station Charleston on July 6 to offload ammunition. She arrived at Mayport on July 8.

On July 19, 1983, ESTOCIN entered her first Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at Jacksonville Shipyards, Florida. The ship underwent repairs, alterations and improvements to several shipboard systems. Following sea trials on November 10, the availability was completed on November 19, with additional combat systems trials conducted on November 22. ESTOCIN subsequently supported flight operations and electronic warfare training with SARATOGA before returning to Mayport on December 5.

ESTOCIN departed Mayport again on December 27, 1983, for special operations in the eastern Pacific. After transiting the Panama Canal on December 31, she spent New Year's Day at Rodman and resumed operations on January 3, 1984. The frigate remained on station until February 8, interrupted by a brief visit to Rodman from January 20-22. After turnover with USS ANTRIM (FFG 20), ESTOCIN returned through the Panama Canal and visited Tela, Honduras, from February 14-17, where crew members participated in community assistance projects. Port visits to Cozumel, Mexico, and New Orleans, Louisiana, followed before she returned to Mayport on March 9.

On April 2, 1984, ESTOCIN sailed for Guantanamo Bay to conduct interim refresher training and propulsion plant recertification. Following a visit to Port Antonio, Jamaica, she resumed training and subsequently conducted surveillance of Soviet warships in the Caribbean during Operation Alert Hoover. After turnover with USS FLATLEY (FFG 21) and later USS EDWARD McDONNELL (FF 1043), ESTOCIN returned to Mayport on May 4.

During June 1984, ESTOCIN completed her first Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspection, conducted from June 11-14, followed by an intermediate maintenance availability. The frigate participated in CompTuEx 3-84 from July 17-29 and ReadiEx 2-84 in the Puerto Rico operating area from August 21-September 7. During the latter exercise, she supported operations involving patrol hydrofoils. After further preparations and a brief period at sea to avoid Tropical Storm Isidore, ESTOCIN completed her pre-deployment training.

On October 16, 1984, ESTOCIN departed Mayport for a deployment to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. After passing through the Strait of Gibraltar on October 27, she arrived at Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on October 28 in company with INDEPENDENCE, USS JOSEPHUS DANIELS (CG 27), USS JOHN KING (DDG 3), USS HAYLER (DD 997) and USS McCANDLESS (FF 1084). Departing on November 1, the ships proceeded across the Mediterranean, with ESTOCIN participating in Operation Seawind alongside Egyptian naval and air forces from November 5-7.

ESTOCIN transited the Suez Canal on November 8, 1984, and proceeded through the Red Sea toward the Indian Ocean. On November 11, she conducted turnover activities with USS STARK (FFG 31) before passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Gulf of Aden. Between November 15-28, ESTOCIN operated in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf, making logistics stops at Sitrah, Bahrain, from November 18-19 and Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, on November 24.

During the remainder of 1984 and the opening months of 1985, ESTOCIN conducted patrol and surveillance operations in the northern Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. In January 1985, she operated on the southern picket station in the northern Arabian Sea and participated in exercises with Task Group 70.3. From January 20-23, the frigate received maintenance support from USS VULCAN (AR 5) near Masirah Island, Oman. ESTOCIN subsequently returned to the Persian Gulf, patrolling its central waters from January 25-March 1, with maintenance and logistics visits to Bahrain from January 29-February 3 and February 24-27.

On March 2, 1985, ESTOCIN passed through the Strait of Hormuz and began her return voyage. After completing turnover with ANTRIM on March 5, she called at Djibouti from March 8-10 and continued north through the Red Sea in company with USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981). The ships were joined by USS McINERNEY (FFG 8) and HAYLER before reaching Port Suez on March 15. They transited the Suez Canal the following day and visited Malaga, Spain, from March 22-24. ESTOCIN stopped at Rota on March 26 and departed on March 27 with JOHN HANCOCK, HAYLER and McINERNEY for the Atlantic crossing. After a fuel and weather-related stop at Ponta Delgada in the Azores from March 29-30, the frigate resumed her voyage on April 1 and returned to Mayport on April 6.

Following post-deployment leave and upkeep, ESTOCIN began a maintenance availability on May 13, 1985, during which structural reinforcements were installed to address cracking discovered in portions of the superstructure. The frigate resumed operations in July, including exercises with USS AMERICA (CV 66) from mid-July through July 22. During August, she operated with FORRESTAL before proceeding to Guantanamo Bay for refresher training. In September, ESTOCIN conducted antisubmarine warfare exercises and participated in mobilization training at Key West.

In October 1985, ESTOCIN sailed to Newport, Rhode Island, where she served as a training platform for prospective commanding officers and other senior personnel from October 6-11. After departing Newport, she proceeded to Key West, where she ran aground upon arrival on October 14. The incident required repairs, including replacement of one propeller blade by Navy divers, and kept the frigate in port for the remainder of the month. ESTOCIN returned to sea on November 1 and participated in Carib Watch 1-85, monitoring Soviet warships in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean until November 9. She returned to Mayport on November 10.

On January 6, 1986, ESTOCIN entered Jacksonville Shipyards for an extensive Selected Restricted Availability. Major work included installation of fin stabilizers, gas turbine repairs, overhaul of the controllable-pitch propeller system and diesel generator, and additional hull and machinery repairs. During the availability, the ship also received equipment for the Mk 92 Mod 2 Coherent Receiver-Transmitter (CORT) Fire Control System Improvement Project, a high-priority Navy development program. ESTOCIN left dry dock on April 8, completed her shipyard work on May 5 and conducted sea trials on May 8.

Throughout the summer and autumn of 1986, ESTOCIN served as the principal test platform for the CORT program. Initial pierside testing was followed by several underway evaluation periods off Jacksonville during July and August. On August 28, she departed for Puerto Rico, where live missile and gunfire testing took place at the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility during September. Additional operational testing was conducted from October 9-11. Over the course of the program, ESTOCIN fired 15 Standard missiles and nearly 1,000 rounds of 76 mm ammunition against simulated surface and aerial threats.

On October 1, 1986, ESTOCIN was assigned to the Naval Reserve Force, coming under Naval Surface Warfare Group 4 and receiving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as her new homeport. Her crew was reorganized to incorporate Selected Reservists while maintaining the capability to support regular fleet operations. The frigate departed Mayport on October 20 and arrived at Philadelphia on October 24. During November, she visited Newport, Boston and New York City while conducting her first Naval Reserve training cruises. Later that month, ESTOCIN entered Pennsylvania Shipbuilding at Chester, Pennsylvania, for an intermediate maintenance availability, during which the experimental CORT equipment was removed and her original Mk 92 fire control system restored.

ESTOCIN completed the availability on February 23, 1987, and resumed regular operations from Philadelphia. She departed on March 9, loaded ammunition at Charleston and proceeded to Mayport before conducting combat systems qualification trials and weapons exercises in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. In May, the frigate underwent an INSURV inspection at Newport and subsequently returned to Philadelphia. Throughout the summer, she supported reserve training, midshipman cruises, antisubmarine warfare exercises and helicopter qualification operations. On September 24-25, ESTOCIN completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination at Newport. Additional training in Canadian and U.S. waters followed during October and November, including a visit to Halifax from October 21-23 and exercises on the AUTEC range.

During early 1988, ESTOCIN continued reserve training and served as a school ship at Newport. On February 29, she entered another Selected Restricted Availability, during which communications, electronic and engineering equipment were upgraded, including improvements to her tactical data systems. The availability ended on May 31. During the following months, the frigate conducted reserve active-duty training, midshipman cruises and antisubmarine warfare exercises, with visits to Halifax, Newport and Annapolis. She also participated in training and public events at Philadelphia before entering an intermediate maintenance availability in November.

In February 1989, ESTOCIN departed Philadelphia for training in the Caribbean, conducting antisubmarine warfare and gunnery exercises near Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. After returning on March 21, she underwent an intermediate maintenance availability that included replacement of her 76 mm gun. During May, ESTOCIN participated in exercise Solid Shield and continued reserve and midshipman training through the summer. Port visits during this period included New York City, Boston and Halifax.

On September 19, 1989, ESTOCIN arrived at Norfolk to begin an extensive Selected Restricted Availability at Metro Machine Shipyard. She entered the floating dry dock OLD DOMINION on October 1 and remained there until January 10, 1990. Work continued alongside the pier until June, with sea trials conducted from June 20-25. ESTOCIN returned to Philadelphia on June 30, but defective hull paint required an additional dry-docking period at Norfolk during August. Following completion of the corrective work, the frigate resumed training and operational readiness evaluations.

During September and October 1990, ESTOCIN conducted combat systems exercises, refresher training and weapons evaluations in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. While training at Guantanamo Bay in October, her crew assisted in emergency response efforts following severe thunderstorms and flooding in the area. ESTOCIN subsequently returned to Philadelphia and continued reserve training operations through the end of the year.

In early 1991, ESTOCIN underwent further readiness assessments, including an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination at Newport from February 18-22. Following additional combat systems training and reserve exercises, she departed Philadelphia on June 26 for a two-month Great Lakes cruise intended to support Navy recruiting and public outreach. The voyage included visits to Montreal, Canada, from July 1-2; Oswego, New York, from July 3-7; St. Ignace, Michigan, from July 10-11; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 12-15; Thunder Bay, Canada, from July 18-24; Duluth, Minnesota, from July 25-30; Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from July 31-August 2; Cleveland, Ohio, from August 5-15; and Erie, Pennsylvania, from August 16-18. The return route included Montreal and Quebec City, and ESTOCIN arrived back at Philadelphia on August 30.

During September 1991, ESTOCIN visited Baltimore for the Fort McHenry Defenders Day celebrations and participated in sonar system testing and training at Newport. In October, she visited Halifax from October 13-15 and joined U.S. and Canadian naval forces for exercises south of Nova Scotia. She returned to Philadelphia on October 28 and underwent an intermediate maintenance availability during November.

ESTOCIN began 1992 with an INSURV inspection at Newport from January 13-17, followed by an extended maintenance period through March. During May and June, she again operated with Canadian naval units off Nova Scotia and visited Halifax from June 12-15. Additional training and equipment modifications followed in July. On August 17, 1992, ESTOCIN changed her homeport from Philadelphia to Newport, Rhode Island, continuing her assignment to the Naval Reserve Force. On August 31, she departed for counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean with an HSL-94 helicopter detachment embarked. After a visit to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands from September 25-27, she returned to Newport on October 13. Further training and maintenance activities occupied the remainder of the year. ESTOCIN received the Battle Effectiveness Award for 1992.

During February 1993, Naval Surface Warfare Group 4 was reorganized as Destroyer Squadron 6, with ESTOCIN serving as squadron flagship. Following an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination from February 23-25, she resumed training and reserve operations. On May 24, the frigate departed Newport for counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean. She operated in the region during June and early July, with visits to Grand Cayman from June 10-13 and Antigua from July 3-7, and returned to Newport on July 13. On August 2, ESTOCIN entered a three-month Selected Restricted Availability, which concluded on November 18 following sea trials.

On December 13, 1993, ESTOCIN departed Newport for the Caribbean to participate in Operation Support Democracy off Haiti. On December 17, she relieved USS FAHRION (FFG 22) and began enforcing the maritime embargo imposed following the overthrow of Haiti's elected government. Her duties included surveillance of shipping movements, identification of contacts and boarding operations against vessels suspected of violating United Nations sanctions. After approximately four weeks on station, ESTOCIN was relieved by USS JOHN RODGERS (DD 983) and arrived at Mayport on January 18, 1994.

On January 24, 1994, ESTOCIN began a maintenance availability at Mayport. While the frigate remained there, her official homeport changed from Newport to Norfolk, Virginia, on January 31. Additional training and missile exercises followed during February, including a visit to Bermuda from February 24-26. After returning to Newport, ESTOCIN completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination from April 19-21 and continued preparations for another Great Lakes cruise.

ESTOCIN departed Newport on May 16, 1994, for her second Great Lakes recruiting and public relations voyage. The itinerary included Montreal, Cleveland, Chicago, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Duluth, Milwaukee, Erie, Buffalo, Oswego and Ogdensburg. The frigate participated in numerous local ceremonies and was opened to the public during the port visits, receiving more than 52,000 visitors during the voyage. Thirteen relatives of Captain Michael J. Estocin visited the ship during her stop at Erie on July 19. After a final visit to Halifax, the cruise concluded at Newport on August 15.

On August 21, 1994, ESTOCIN arrived at Norfolk for the first time since its designation as her new homeport. During the autumn, she conducted combat systems readiness evaluations, antisubmarine warfare exercises and reserve training. She visited Pensacola, Florida, from October 23-26 for events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. An intermediate maintenance availability followed from November 9-28, including installation of additional satellite communications equipment. In early December, ESTOCIN served as an opposing force during CompTuEx 95-1, supporting pre-deployment training for the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Battle Group.

During the early months of 1995, ESTOCIN continued exercises and inspections before entering a Docking Selected Restricted Availability at Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk on March 27. The overhaul involved work on the hull, engineering plant and other shipboard systems and continued for approximately three months. After completing the shipyard period, ESTOCIN resumed operational training, including combat systems qualifications and preparations for another counter-narcotics deployment.

On October 3, 1995, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for Naval Submarine Base New London at Groton, Connecticut. During her visit from October 5-10, she supported the October 9 commissioning ceremony of USS COLUMBIA (SSN 771) and received more than 1,000 visitors. After returning to Norfolk on October 11, ESTOCIN continued Tailored Ship's Training Availability exercises through mid-November and then entered her pre-deployment period.

On December 12, 1995, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. She transited the Panama Canal on December 17 and embarked a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment at Rodman before commencing patrol operations in the eastern Pacific. After spending the New Year's holiday at Rodman, ESTOCIN resumed her mission and subsequently returned to the Caribbean in January 1996. The deployment included a visit to Curacao and concluded with missile exercises near Puerto Rico before the frigate returned to the U.S. east coast.

During February 1996, ESTOCIN completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination at Mayport from February 27-29. She subsequently participated in CompTuEx in the Puerto Rico operating area and exercise Unified Spirit during March. Additional training continued through the spring, culminating in a final evaluation problem from May 14-17. On June 28, while en route to New England, ESTOCIN assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in rescuing four people from the sailing vessel PEGASUS. The survivors were transported to Eastport, Maine, where the frigate participated in local Independence Day celebrations. ESTOCIN returned to Norfolk on July 8 and subsequently completed an INSURV inspection from July 22-26.

On August 13, 1996, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for exercise Northern Light/Bright Horizon 96 in northern European waters. She sailed in company with USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20), USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51), USS THORN (DD 988), USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) and USNS LEROY GRUMMAN (T-AO 195). The group visited Halifax from August 16-19 and Reykjavik, Iceland, from August 27-29 before participating in multinational exercises off Norway during early September. The operations involved naval forces from several NATO member nations and included coordinated maneuvering, communications and warfare training.

Following the exercises, ESTOCIN visited Belfast, Northern Ireland, from September 14-18, becoming the first U.S. warship to call there in more than 25 years. More than 7,000 visitors toured the frigate during the port visit. ESTOCIN subsequently crossed the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk on September 29, 1996. After additional training and inspections, she began a Restricted Availability on December 5 that continued until January 31, 1997.

Following completion of the availability, ESTOCIN participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2 (JTFEX 97-2), beginning on March 7, 1997. Operating in the Cherry Point training area, she served as flagship of the opposing forces during preparations for the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) Battle Group. After the exercise, ESTOCIN visited Charleston from March 19-21 and returned to Norfolk on March 25. An intermediate maintenance availability followed from April 14-May 9 before final preparations for her next overseas deployment.

On May 23, 1997, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for northern Europe in company with USS ANZIO (CG 68) and USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71). After combined air defense exercises with British warships, the frigate visited Portsmouth, England, from June 4-7 and continued through the Danish Straits into the Baltic Sea. She arrived at Gdansk, Poland, on June 13 for conferences preceding Baltic Operations 1997 (BALTOPS 97). During the exercise, ESTOCIN operated with warships from NATO and non-NATO countries, conducting multinational maritime training.

Following BALTOPS 97, ESTOCIN visited Kiel, Germany, from June 20-24, participating in Kiel Week. On June 26, she arrived at Baltiysk, Russia, the headquarters of the Russian Baltic Fleet. During her stay through June 29, the frigate hosted senior Russian naval officers, including Admiral Vladimir Yegorov, Commander of the Baltic Fleet. ESTOCIN subsequently visited Aalborg, Denmark, from July 1-5; Kotka, Finland, from July 7-9; Klaipeda, Lithuania, from July 11-13; and Copenhagen, Denmark, from July 14-16.

After departing the Baltic, ESTOCIN sailed north along the Norwegian coast, participating in training with Norwegian naval units and crossing the Arctic Circle. She visited Hammerfest, Norway, from July 24-28 before proceeding to Severomorsk, Russia, where she remained from August 1-3. During this visit, the frigate hosted Admiral Oleg Yerofeyev, Commander of the Russian Northern Fleet. The deployment continued with visits to Trondheim, Norway, from August 8-11 and Edinburgh, Scotland, from August 13-18. After refueling stops at Ponta Delgada in the Azores on August 23 and Bermuda on August 29, ESTOCIN returned to Norfolk on August 31, 1997.

Following post-deployment leave and an intermediate maintenance availability, ESTOCIN resumed training during October 1997. In November, she participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (CompTuEx) as part of the opposing forces in the Puerto Rico operating area. She returned to Norfolk on November 26 and completed her final reserve training weekend of the year in early December.

On January 12, 1998, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk to participate in JTFEX 98-1, operating as an opposing force in the Puerto Rico area until late January. A four-week maintenance availability followed during February and March, during which repairs were made to the engineering plant. Further readiness assessments and Tailored Ship's Training Availability exercises occupied the spring and summer. On July 28, a malfunction in the electrical plant control console interrupted training and required the frigate to return to Norfolk for repairs. Following corrective work, ESTOCIN resumed exercises and completed her final evaluation problem from September 15-17.

On September 28, 1998, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for an Independent Deployer Exercise (InDEx 98-3) in preparation for a counter-narcotics deployment. The exercise was initially cancelled because Hurricane Bonnie had damaged missile range facilities in Puerto Rico. While returning to Norfolk on October 4, ESTOCIN responded to an emergency involving the replica sailing ship BOUNTY, which was taking on water off the coast of South Carolina. After relieving USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64) at the scene, ESTOCIN conducted a seven-hour operation to help control the flooding and pump water from the vessel. The frigate subsequently transferred responsibility to the U.S. Coast Guard, and BOUNTY reached Charleston safely under escort.

ESTOCIN departed again on October 20, 1998, for counter-narcotics training in the Caribbean and returned to Norfolk on November 1. Following further training and a maintenance availability from November 23-December 7, she conducted sea trials and completed final preparations for deployment.

On January 5, 1999, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for a counter-narcotics deployment to the Caribbean. After a brief stop at Guantanamo Bay, she commenced operations with Joint Interagency Task Force East on January 10, patrolling waters between Panama and the Netherlands Antilles. Embarked Coast Guard personnel conducted numerous vessel boardings, and the deployment included the seizure of more than 400 kilograms of cocaine. Port visits included Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Curacao; Bonaire; Aruba; and Mayport, where ESTOCIN remained from April 3-10. After a final visit to Guantanamo Bay in May, the frigate returned to Norfolk on May 15.

During June and July 1999, ESTOCIN resumed fleet training. From June 22-24, she operated in the Virginia Capes area, including a replenishment exercise with USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). On June 28, the frigate departed for InDEx 99-2, operating as part of the opposing forces alongside USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) and USS YORKTOWN (CG 48) during training for the JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group. The exercise included missile, gunnery and antisubmarine warfare training. After a visit to St. Thomas from July 3-5, ESTOCIN returned to Norfolk on July 16 and entered a maintenance availability that continued into October.

On November 29, 1999, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk to participate in InDEx 00-1 and JTFEX 99-3 as part of the opposing forces training the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) Battle Group. The exercises took place in the Jacksonville operating area from December 1-12. During the return voyage, ESTOCIN conducted combined operations with the French helicopter cruiser JEANNE D'ARC and subsequently returned to Norfolk on December 16.

ESTOCIN began 2000 with a Destroyer Squadron 14 group sail and conducted weapons and maneuvering exercises during January. She completed an INSURV inspection from February 14-18, followed by a short maintenance availability and ammunition loading at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. On March 13, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for UNITAS 41-00, joining USS HUE CITY (CG 66) and ROBERT G. BRADLEY for exercises with South American naval forces. After meetings with Colombian naval representatives at Cartagena from March 19-29, the ships participated in the Caribbean phase of UNITAS. ESTOCIN served as a surface action group commander during several tactical and live-fire exercises. The Caribbean phase concluded on April 10.

Following UNITAS, ESTOCIN proceeded to Brazil to participate in events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese arrival in the country. She visited Fortaleza from April 17-19, where crew members participated in a local community assistance project, and Rio de Janeiro from April 24-May 2. At Rio de Janeiro, ESTOCIN represented the United States during an international naval gathering and parade of sail involving numerous foreign warships. The frigate departed Brazil in early May and returned to Norfolk on May 15, 2000.

During the summer of 2000, ESTOCIN supported midshipman training cruises and conducted routine exercises in the western Atlantic. She visited Winter Harbor, Maine, from August 11-14 for a local maritime festival and continued training and readiness inspections during the autumn. An intermediate maintenance availability took place from September 27-October 16, followed by further exercises and preparations for another counter-narcotics deployment. For her performance during calendar year 2000, ESTOCIN received the Battle Effectiveness Award, with additional recognition in engineering, command and control, and supply management.

On December 15, 2000, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk for a five-month deployment to the Caribbean. She arrived at Guantanamo Bay on December 18, where she conducted turnover with USS BOONE (FFG 28), and commenced counter-narcotics operations under Joint Interagency Task Force East. The frigate visited Aruba from December 30-January 2, 2001, before resuming patrols. Additional port visits included Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Willemstad, Curacao, from January 18-21 and March 7-10; Roosevelt Roads from February 6-11; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from February 22-26.

During the remainder of the deployment, ESTOCIN continued maritime surveillance and counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, including participation in UNITAS 42-01 activities with regional naval forces. After a final logistics stop at Port Everglades from May 10-11, the frigate returned to Norfolk on May 14, 2001.

During June and July 2001, ESTOCIN conducted local training in the Virginia Capes operating area. On August 1, she departed for a Joint Task Force Exercise, initially supporting operations involving THEODORE ROOSEVELT. After arriving at Roosevelt Roads on August 8, she proceeded to the Cherry Point operating area and participated in JTFEX 3-01 with the USS BATAAN (LHD 5) Amphibious Ready Group beginning on August 11. ESTOCIN returned to Norfolk on August 18.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, ESTOCIN participated in increased security measures at Naval Station Norfolk, including waterfront patrols and surveillance. She subsequently resumed underway training and conducted gunnery and antisubmarine warfare exercises from September 18-20. On October 10, she departed Norfolk for maritime security operations under Operation Noble Eagle, conducting picket duty in waters off the southeastern United States. On October 12, the crew held a memorial observance for the 17 sailors killed in the terrorist attack on USS COLE (DDG 67) one year earlier. ESTOCIN returned to Norfolk on October 14.

During late 2001, ESTOCIN began preparations for an anticipated decommissioning and transfer to the Turkish Navy. Following the September 11 attacks, however, the Navy revised its plans and decided to retain ESTOCIN in service while accelerating the retirement of USS SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON (FFG 13). Because ESTOCIN had undergone more recent modernization work, the Navy arranged for the two frigates to exchange their crews. On February 13, 2002, SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON moored alongside ESTOCIN at Norfolk and the crew turnover process began.

On February 23, 2002, the formal transfer of crews and command responsibilities took place. The following day, ESTOCIN departed Norfolk with her new commanding officer, Commander Scott J. Phillpott, and the former SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON crew. She arrived at Mayport on February 28, returning to her original homeport. During March and April, ESTOCIN underwent extensive maintenance to restore full operational readiness, including replacement of a gas turbine engine, repairs to steering equipment, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, and work on combat systems and other shipboard machinery. SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON was decommissioned at Norfolk on April 11, 2002.

On April 26, 2002, ESTOCIN departed Mayport for exercises in the Jacksonville and Virginia Capes operating areas, serving as an opposing force during training for the GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group. She returned to Mayport on May 6 and entered a Restricted Availability involving structural repairs, machinery overhauls and improvements to living and working spaces. During a reserve training cruise on June 22-23, a hydraulic leak developed in the controllable-pitch propeller system, but the crew brought the situation under control and returned safely to port. The availability continued until July 21.

ESTOCIN departed Mayport on July 22, 2002, for Bucksport, Maine, where she participated in the Fort Knox Bay Festival from July 26-28. After returning south, the frigate conducted training with USS JOHN L. HALL (FFG 32) and BOONE in the Puerto Rico operating area. On August 10, ESTOCIN assisted the disabled Haitian cargo vessel ROSE PATIENCE, whose crew had reported a loss of propulsion and flooding. ESTOCIN personnel provided damage control assistance and medical treatment before towing the vessel toward Haitian waters. The frigate returned to Mayport on August 20.

On September 6, 2002, ESTOCIN departed Mayport to participate in CompTuEx as part of the opposing forces training the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Battle Group. After completing the exercise on September 25, the frigate conducted counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and returned to Mayport on October 9. From October 28-November 6, she participated in JTFEX 03-1, again supporting training for HARRY S. TRUMAN and accompanying ships. She subsequently conducted a special operations capability exercise with the USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) Amphibious Ready Group through November 12.

ESTOCIN completed an intermediate maintenance availability from November 13-December 2, 2002, followed by post-availability sea trials. On December 7, while operating off Jacksonville, the frigate hosted a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony attended by eight survivors of the December 7, 1941 attack. The ship subsequently returned to Mayport and began preparations for her final months of U.S. Navy service.

During January 2003, ESTOCIN continued preparations for decommissioning and transfer to Turkey. On January 22, she conducted equipment tests off Jacksonville. Turkish naval representatives inspected the ship from February 4-6, including an underway demonstration on February 5. ESTOCIN offloaded her remaining ammunition on February 20, and the first Turkish sailors arrived on February 25 to begin the turnover process. Additional Turkish personnel joined the ship on March 14.

USS ESTOCIN was officially decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on April 3, 2003, at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. A decommissioning and transfer ceremony was held at Mayport on April 4, with Rear Admiral John P. Debbout, a former commanding officer of ESTOCIN, serving as guest speaker. The frigate was transferred to Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales program and entered Turkish Navy service as TCG GÖKSU (F 497).

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Homeports of USS ESTOCIN:

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About the Ship's Name, about Captain Michael John Estocin:

Captain Michael John Estocin was born on April 27, 1931, at Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of State Teachers College at Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, he entered naval service as an aviation cadet in June 1954.

A Lieutenant Commander at the time, he was listed as "missing in action and presumed captured." He was subsequently promoted to Commander and then Captain before his status was changed on November 10, 1977, to "killed in action".

Captain Michael John Estocin, USN, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal and Air Medal (first through twelfth strike/flight awards).

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 20 and 26 April 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron 192, embarked in USS TICONDEROGA (CVA 14). Leading a 3-plane group of aircraft in support of a coordinated strike against 2 thermal power plants in Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 20 April 1967, Capt. Estocin provided continuous warnings to the strike group leaders of the surface-to air missile (SAM) threats, and personally neutralized 3 SAM sites. Although his aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding missile, he re-entered the target area and relentlessly prosecuted a SHRIKE attack in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. With less than 5 minutes of fuel remaining he departed the target area and commenced inflight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. 3 miles aft of TICONDEROGA, and without enough fuel for a second approach, he disengaged from the tanker and executed a precise approach to a fiery arrested landing.

On 26 April 1967, in support of a coordinated strike against the vital fuel facilities in Haiphong, he led an attack on a threatening SAM site, during which his aircraft was seriously damaged by an exploding SAM; nevertheless, he regained control of his burning aircraft and courageously launched his SHRIKE missiles before departing the area. By his inspiring courage and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Estocin upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

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USS ESTOCIN Image Gallery:

After decommissioning, the ESTOCIN was transferred to the Turkish Navy where she was recommissioned as TCG GÖKSU (F 497). The photo below was taken by me and shows TCG GÖKSU at anchor off Greenock, UK, on April 10, 2015, shortly before participating in exercise Joint Warrior 151. The ship has been extensively modernized: The old AN/SPS-49 antenna was replaced by the advanced SMART-S Mk-2 3D air search radar and an 8-cell Mk-41 VLS for 32 ESSM was added in front of the Mk-13 missile launcher. Additionally, a new digital combat management system called GENESIS and a new long range sonar were installed.

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